The exclusion of cricketer Sarfaraz Khan from the India A squad has ignited a political controversy, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the Congress party of attempting to stoke division within the Indian cricket team along religious lines. The controversy arose after Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed questioned the rationale behind Khan's non-selection, insinuating that his "surname" may have played a role in the decision.
Mohamed's initial remarks were posted on X, where she wrote, "Is Sarfaraz Khan not selected because of his surname! #justasking. We know where Gautam Gambhir stands on that matter". This was perceived as a jab at Gautam Gambhir, the coach of the Indian team, referencing his affiliation with the BJP. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had announced a 15-member India A squad for two first-class matches against South Africa A. Ajit Agarkar, the selection committee chief, stated that Sarfaraz Khan was excluded due to injury.
The BJP swiftly responded to Mohamed's statement, with party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala leading the charge. Poonawala accused the Congress of attempting to communalize the cricket team and pointed out that players like Mohammad Siraj and Khaleel Ahmed were also integral members of the team. He tweeted, "This lady and her party are sick. After calling Rohit Sharma fat, she and her party now want to divide even our cricket team on communal lines? Desh ka partition karke mann nahi bhara kya? In the same team, MOHAMMAD SIRAJ AND KHALEEL AHMED will play! Stop dividing India on communal and caste lines".
C.R. Kesavan, another BJP spokesperson, condemned Mohamed's remarks, stating, "This disgusting tweet clearly exposes the divisive mentality and prejudiced and discriminatory mindset of the Congress. The communal Congress party is now trying to partition our Indian cricket team on religious lines. This is condemnable. Toxic politics of polarisation have been the toolkit of the Congress".
This is not the first time Mohamed has found herself in hot water due to her comments on Indian cricketers. Earlier this year, she faced criticism for "fat-shaming" then-Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma, leading to the deletion of her social media post and a reprimand from her own party.
Sarfaraz Khan's exclusion has sparked debate, considering his consistent performance in domestic cricket. The 27-year-old batsman has scored 2,541 runs in first-class cricket over the past five years, boasting an impressive average of 110.47, including 10 centuries and 5 half-centuries. He last represented India in a home series against New Zealand in November 2024.
Some individuals have dismissed allegations of religious bias in the team selection. Former cricketer Atul Wassan called the allegations "preposterous," while acknowledging Khan's struggle for recognition. He stated, "I agree that Sarfaraz Khan is not being given the kind of respect and chances he deserves. But it is not about what she (Shama Mohamed) or Congress is alleging. This has never happened in Indian sport. Time and again, we get to hear this religion card".
